PBArchitects use light and minimal forms in the narrative of this salon in Bardoli, Gujarat.
Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Noaidwin Sttudio; courtesy PBArchitects
The site
The existing space was split through multiple internal partitions, due to which it felt compact and restricted. While it had basic floor tiles, the space was blessed with huge windows that allowed a lot of natural light into the space.
The brief
“Right at the outset, our conversations with the client revolved around creating a space that would nurture the mind, body and spirit,” recall architects Bhavin Patel and Sneha Patel of PBArchitects. “Being a studio for hair and skin treatments as well as nail dressing, the audience was naturally feminine. Therefore we selected the colour scheme and design elements accordingly, something that would exude a sense of ‘retreat’.”
The design intent
The design team approached the assignment with the objective of establishing an environment that would make customers feel good inside and out, and offer them an escape from stresses of everyday life. Natural light played a central role in this regard.
The civil intervention
To boost the aesthetic and to meet the demands made on the space, internal walls were demolished to get a feel of the volume and add a sense of airiness.
The visual expression
The sage green that begins at the reception, continues inside. This sets the right mood. The floor pattern adds a thread of continuity. Lighting plays an essential role in a salon: too little, and the atmosphere is dull, too much, and the feel is overwhelming. “We balanced the natural light with light fixtures positioned such that they wouldn’t create a glare for the stylists or the clients. We also added art in the form of customized female silhouettes and a pair of boho photo frames.”
The spatial configuration
The reception greets you with a waiting area where one can enjoy a cup of coffee on a cosy vintage-style sofa. The space inside has an open-floor plan, and accommodates the hair station next to the window and other services parallel to it. The private area is partitioned and kept muted. “The flow of movement from a functional perspective was very crucial,” says the architect duo.
The material palette
The finishing of materials was important from the point of view of establishing the right ambience. The colour palette, dominated by sage green, is kept simple to create the illusion of vastness. Pops of black, gold and pastel pink keep things engaging. Feminine forms such as curves and curls add a gentleness, which is balanced with a geometric metal jaali with a female silhouette frames the hair station. Terracotta tiles finish an arch behind the nail and shampoo station.
The challenge
The challenge posed to the architects was reconciling an open floor plan with multiple functional activities. “Each one had to be modulated uniquely and enjoy its own presence,” they say.
Fact file
Project: Vintage Salon Booth
Location: Bardoli, Gujarat
Area: 1,250 sq ft
Principal architects: Bhavin Patel and Sneha Patel
Design team: Pankal Bhukal and Prathith Maali
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